A 57-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with lethargy, generalized weakness, volume depletion, and poor urinary output. He is a resident of a nursing home, has a peg tube with tube feedings, and water flushes. He was recently treated with metronidazole for diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile. On physically examination, he had a HR of 100 beats per minute, dry mucous membranes, and reduced skin turgor. Vital signs showed a temperature of 37.8°C, BP 105/55 mm Hg lying, and 90/50 mm Hg sitting. Jugular venous pule not visible. Labs were drawn and revealed a BUN of 79 mg/dL, creatinine of 2.4 mg/dL, potassium of 7.5 mEq/L, bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L, and sodium of 125 mEq/L. What is the most likely culprit of this patient's acute renal failure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clostridium difficile infection can cause pseudomembranous colitis, which can lead to dehydration and acute renal failure.

A 57-Year-Old Male Was Admitted to the Hospital with Lethargy